What Is the Average Cost of a Plymouth Barracuda Muscle Car?

People looking for classic muscle cars for sale with The Vault MS or elsewhere know there will be a variation in price depending on the model and year, especially when it comes to the Plymouth Barracuda. If you have never considered purchasing a muscle car, you may be surprised at the wide range of prices you find. While there is rhyme and reason to the pricing process, you will want to talk to an expert and do a little research. Most people consider buying muscle cars an investment, especially if they plan on restoring them on their own.

Average Sale Price for a Plymouth Barracuda Muscle Car

When they were first released in 1964, the Plymouth Barracuda would set you back about $2,500, depending on what package and accessories the car had or you special ordered. If you are looking to buy a Barracuda car that needs to be restored, you may find a few that fall between $5,000 and $15,000. The price will depend on the body, engine, and interior condition and if any work has been done to it over the years. If you want a fully restored Barracuda, you can plan on spending anywhere from $25,000 to $65,000 or higher once you’ve gotten a classic car appraisal on the ride.

What Packages and Options Were Available for the Barracuda You Want to Buy?

When you find a Barracuda you like, you will want to learn as much as you can about it. Some can be unique and fetch a higher sale price. For example, in 1966, the only model produced that year had the Formula S as an added feature. After 1965, Plymouth began offering larger engines to enhance the Barracuda’s pony car image. Over time, the most popular engines could run with a four-barrel carburetor and a more powerful camshaft. With the introduction of meatier engines, the 1965 models also came with larger wheels, better suspension, and different transmissions. Depending on their driving preference, customers could choose between an automatic transmission and 3- and 4-speed manual transmissions.

Rebuild or Authentic Restoration

If you are looking at a Barracuda that you believe has had some work done to it, you will need to go over it thoroughly. Ask the owner some pointed questions. Most have the answers you are looking for unless they bought it in its current condition. When it comes to a rebuild, most people will use the right size engine block, parts, accessories, and equipment for the year of the car. They may make modifications that lower the resale price of the vehicle.

If you begin to inspect the vehicle and can identify that all of the numbers throughout the car match, then you may be looking at an authentic restoration. This means that the car was restored using only the original items that came with the car. An authentic rebuild means that the items came from other cars that were the same year, make, and model as the one being rebuilt. Authentic restorations can raise the value quite a bit, especially if the interior is all original. Rebuilds can also be costly, but they may have only some original components. Be aware of what has been replaced with newer materials.

Knowing What to Look For

Anytime you look at a vintage vehicle, you need to know what you are looking for and how to tell if certain materials are authentic. There are times when it will be almost impossible to tell the difference. It may be best to have an expert go with you or give you some advice before you look at the car. Never be afraid to ask questions. In some situations, it may be the only option you have if you are trying to identify whether an item is original or not. It’s also a good idea to give everything a second look. You don’t want to buy a car only to find out later that you missed something when you looked at it the first time.

Sentimental Value vs. Actual Value

Buying an older muscle car from an individual may mean that the asking price is based more on sentimental value rather than its actual value. This is especially true if the seller is the original owner. The best way to approach this situation is to be honest. Tell them what the car’s fair market value is and what you will pay for the vehicle. If you are comfortable negotiating a little, do so, but avoid paying more than what the Barracuda is worth.

Unique Compared to Other Muscle Cars

The Barracuda has two distinctions that make it unique compared to other muscle cars. It was the very first pony car to be released to the public. Ford released the Mustang approximately two weeks later with a sticker price that was a couple of hundred dollars cheaper. Another unique feature of the Plymouth Barracuda is the rear window. Unlike other rear window designs, the Barracuda’s window wraps around each side and measures approximately 14.4 square feet. To this day, no other piece of automotive glass measures this big. Most of the two-door models could carry five passengers. None of the other pony cars could accomplish that.

Many Plymouth Barracudas are available for sale if it is your dream car. You need to know what you’re looking for before you start your search. Know how much work you want to put into it, then set your budget so you can spend your money wisely. Look online to see what similar vehicles are going for. Make a few notes and do your research. When you start shopping with The Vault MS, take your notes and keep your eyes open. Contact us today to find your ride!